All checks now complete and received email saying that I'm ready to start.

Can't wait to get started now!

So I have just completed my first week at Croydon, poles were fine, ladders were ok and you learn things like how to secure ladders onto your van, how to extend ladders safely etc. Then you do your street works qualification which isn't the easiest thing in the world and is a pass or fail so that part you really need to be switched on!

With regards to vehicles, my intake based at Croydon have been given a load of old rusty bangers, each one has something wrong with them but all the kit inside is issued new. The reason they have given us old vehicles is they are slowly getting rid of the old fleet and they have had to make some changes to the beacons on the roof (or something along those lines?!) for it to be legal in Wales and Scotland. So those working more north and training in Yarnfield/Scotland etc got issued the new ones as their vans were new and complying with the new law.

Apparently it is coming into England soon as well so they have to get rid of the old vans and we have been told they will be replaced towards end of the year.

So anyone training Croydon may get the old vehicles.... but they drive nice and to be honest, none of us look like newbies anymore haha!

We are staying in the Hilton literally around the corner from the training centre. All meals included and there are many other Openreach staff staying in the hotel as other intakes and others doing extra training courses. So quite a nice atmosphere.

Any questions just ask

What does the Street works qualification involve? Sounds busy but I still can't wait to crack on!

Hi all,

Just a quick update for those who are still waiting to find out if they have a job having passed the assessment.....I have been a pest an emailing a lot but finally today she said it's happening this week, so fingers crossed that is for us all and its good news.

If you've been given an '05 or '06 registered can you should have that replaced in he next year or so anyway. Regardless of when you started the job or when you got the van.

That's what they told me fingers crossed it is sorted by the end of the week!!

Yes it is, But for a reason.

You buddy up and you can take your own notes into the 'exam'

Its all about setting out in order and reversing that order when you remove the kit.

Make notes if you need mate. And you have all the time you need also. Its all about your and the publics safety.

Ahh cheers for the info mate! Nearly a month til i start now! Still havent heard anything since i did all my pre employment tasks!

In reply to a post by ApuChunk:

Ahh cheers for the info mate! Nearly a month til i start now! Still havent heard anything since i did all my pre employment tasks!

That is quite normal! Don't stress! Our lot is the first stream through and we have it hard! haha

And the kitting out is outstanding! No space is lost.

Impressive, until you realise that there is [censored] all space for carrying anything 'extra', or for those that have additional skills and therefore need extra 'stuff'.
Not enough space in the back I reckon.

I do remember getting my first tranny, in the old grey livery with the piper logo. There was an independent diesel heater which you could set up to defrost it for cold mornings, it also warmed water to wash your hands with a bowl which flipped down on the rear door. The cassette player was cutting edge too !

Look after yours, you'll have a long time, and it'll have to become your second home.